Wrapping up the Netherlands Tour

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February 15, 2018

A crazy way to end the Netherlands tour.

Lost luggage from Atlanta to Milwaukee.

I could only assume that’s what it was as I waited through two shifts at baggage claim. My bicycle arrived; secure in a big cardboard box. There were normally stares – like a crazy lady had shipped her piano overseas and was dragging it through the airport.

As the empty baggage claim turnstyle clunked and whirred along a raggedy man and I stood; mesmerized and waiting.

He was dressed in black. A flare of pins on his worn leather jacket. A guitar slung over his shoulder.

“Looks like they got to ours last,” I said striking up conversation about our luggage woes.

He glanced at me through his sunglasses. “I just landed,” he said with somewhat of a British accent.

We bantered, dryly, about travel and Milwaukee.

Pretty soon his luggage arrived. He won the bet. I said I was documenting my journey and could I get his name. “Just call me Elvis.”

I gave a polite laugh…

Then he started walking towards a chauffeur-looking guy holding a that read ‘Costello.’

Things started adding up: guitar, flare, British accent.

My journey to the Netherlands ended waiting at baggage claim with none other rocker than Elvis Costello.

Around the Bend: Updates & Tidbits By Judy Steffes

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Judy

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July 15, 2017

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Around the Bend July 15, 2017 By Judy Steffes

Historic downtown West Bend Theater sold to nonprofit

The downtown West Bend Theater has been sold.

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Royal Palace: Fit for a King

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Judy

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July 14, 2017

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July 14, 2017 – Amsterdam –Toured the Royal Palace in Amsterdam and it’s a building fit for a king with rich marble, brass and ivory and artwork that salutes Roman gods and goddesses, built in the 17th Century as the Town Hall of Amsterdam.

Aside from the spectacular artwork, the details about the Palace were rather fascinating.

The Palace used to be the Town Hall and it dates to the 16th Century.

It was often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World because 13,659 wooden poles were driven into the soft ground to carry the weight of the building.

In 1808 the town hall was turned into a palace for King Louis Bonaparte.

Six chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The blue ball with stars refers to the globe of Atlas. Curved hooks on the end once held large oil lamps.

There were no paintings in the corners above Mars and Venus. The docent said it was because Rembrandt did paint two murals and the four mayors did not like them.

One painting was a hero with one eye and they didn’t care for that so they took it down. The other painting was too dark and also removed.

Contracting for another painting did not happen because all the money for the Palace was spent on marble.

Riding today in tribute to Cliff and Ann Hale

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Judy

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July 14, 2017

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July 14, 2017 – Today I’m riding in tribute to:

As I wrap up this year’s Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s, I’d like to thank all of those that contributed to the ride in honor of a loved one.

Your memorials motivate me on the road and I’m honored by your support for both the ride as well as memory care programs at Cedar Community.

VIDEO | The Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Judy

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July 13, 2017

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July 13, 2017 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – It was a day full of rain and Jewish history. The must-have ticket is to the Anne Frank House.

It’s amazing and sad all at the same time. Rooms where the Frank family, the van Pels and Fritz Pfeffer lived were tight quarters. The floors creaked, still, and that limited their daytime movement.

We climbed the stairs to the office and then the hiding space. Steep stairs. You had to duck your head and step up about six inches to climb behind the bookcase and through the secret passage.

The helpers had to shop for eight people in hiding; ration cards were purchased on the black market.

Height markings for Anne and her sister Margo are visible on the wall along with film star photo collection and post cards.

Rudy Vallee, Ray Milland, Ginger Rogers, Greta Garbo and a post card of chimps around the card table.

The toilet is decorated with Delft blue.

“Wouldn’t it be horrible for a father to read these thoughts after she is gone,” said one woman as she left the exhibit.

Otto Frank was the only one to survive after their Secret Annex was found and everyone arrested

They were deported first to Westerbork transit camp, and then to Auschwitz.

An interview with Otto Frank and his thoughts about his daughter.

“Anne realized how serious her situation was and she kept her faith.”

Riding in tribute to Vic and Gen Albiero

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Judy

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July 13, 2017

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July 13, 2017 – Netherlands – Today I’ll be riding in tribute to:

Steffes shares secret annex to Anne Frank house

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Judy

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July 13, 2017

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July 13, 2017 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – As The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s begins to wind down, Judy spends time touring the Anne Frank house.

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Riding in tribute to ARNIE VOGEL

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Judy

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July 12, 2017

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July 12, 2017 – Netherlands – Today I’ll be riding in tribute to:

Only days left on the tour! If you would like me to ride in the name of someone you know, send their name, a jpeg photo, a brief note if you like, and your contribution of $100. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community.

CLICK HERE to donate securely online OR

Checks should be made made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

VIDEO | Inside living quarters of a windmill

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Judy

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July 12, 2017

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July 12, 2017 – Edam, Netherlands – I shot this tour a couple days ago while biking through Edam. This is the living quarters inside a windmill. Take a walk through and climb the stairs to various levels with me!